CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq - ’Tis the season for family separation.
It isn’t anyone’s favorite idea of Christmas, but it is a fact of life that soldiers and families from the 4th Infantry Division have dealt with for the last two Christmas seasons.
Because of that separation, a lot of Christmas traditions have been put on hold for just a little while.
Sgt. 1st Class Matthew McGee, who serves as the assistant chaplain, 4th Infantry Division, has missed the fellowship that comes with Christmas, and the family time and traditions of the season.
“We light the advent wreath together and do a devotion. Light the candles,” McGee said. “Christmas, we open up presents the day before and the day of Christmas. Usually on Christmas Eve we go around the neighborhood singing Christmas carols.”
Lt. Col. David Yebra, direct fire support coordinator, 4th Infantry Division, at Camp Liberty, has missed his family, but he’s also missed things most of us take for granted.
“I miss seeing all the decorations in the neighborhoods,” Yebra said.
Master Sgt. Patrick Cook, who seems to always be smiling, said he’ll miss sharing the Christmas spirit with his children, but the traditions, such as decorating the tree and the subsequent feast, will be something he wishes he could share this Christmas.
Spc. Kevin Harrelson, administration specialist for Special Groups Staff, 4th Infantry Division, said he has missed the holiday hustle and bustle, and the traditional sled rides he enjoyed in his youth, while Spc. Jacob Hargrave, a native of Orange, said he will miss the traditional Christmas crawfish gumbo that he shares with his family.
Spc. Scott Snow, a native of Garland, who works as a G-2 analyst for the 4th ID, will miss the white elephant gift exchange he and his family have participated in for many years.
“We have a lot of fun. My grandma usually gets whatever she wants because she is bossy and abuses her role of matriarch of the family,” he said.
However, seeing his wife is what he misses most of all.
“I am going to miss being with my seven-month pregnant wife during the holidays and her birthday is three days after Christmas ... I am going to miss spending that time with her,” Snow said.
bkirk@temple-telegram.com
